DE102014220524A1 - Device for assisting a driver of a vehicle and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus for assisting a driver of a vehicle with a windshield, comprising a display device comprising a front camera having a camera body which can be mounted on the windshield of the vehicle, and a mirror device having a mirror housing, which on a the windscreen facing away from the camera body is arranged and / or fixed. Further, the present invention discloses a vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for assisting a driver of a vehicle with a windshield and to a corresponding vehicle.

State of the art

It is known to use in vehicles, especially in road vehicles, mirrors, which allow the driver to view the environment of the vehicle without having to turn the head in the respective direction or to turn.

Usually, one of these mirrors is arranged centrally between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat of a vehicle on the windshield. The mirror is fixed with a mirror mount on the windscreen or the roof of the vehicle.

Furthermore, modern vehicles today have a variety of electronic systems that assist the driver in handling the vehicle. The so-called driver assistance systems can inform the driver, e.g. Assist in keeping the lane when the driver is distracted, or initiate an automatic braking for this.

In particular, modern driver assistance systems attempt to assist the driver in dangerous situations in order to prevent an accident or to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Other driver assistance systems, such as Cruise control or parking assistants increase the comfort for the driver.

Some of these driver assistance systems require a camera which detects the area in front of the vehicle and provides image data of the camera to the respective driver assistance system.

These cameras are usually installed on the windscreen behind the rearview mirror. To attach the camera while a separate holder is often used, which is independent of the holder of the rearview mirror.

The use of two brackets increases the complexity of the system and leads to an increased installation effort. This should be avoided.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved mirror for a vehicle.

This object is achieved by a device for assisting a driver of a vehicle with a windshield having the features of patent claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of patent claim 10.

Accordingly, it is provided:
A device for assisting a driver of a vehicle with a windshield, comprising a display device comprising a front camera which has a camera housing which can be mounted on the windscreen of the vehicle, and a mirror device which has a mirror housing which faces away from the windscreen the camera body is arranged and / or fixed.

It is also provided:
A vehicle with a device according to the invention and with at least one vehicle camera, which is designed to detect at least a portion of an environment of the vehicle and to provide the device.

Advantages of the invention

The finding underlying the present invention is that the use of two separate mounts for rear view mirror and front camera or even the attachment of the front camera in the strongly vibrating mirror base while driving is disadvantageous and does not support the functions supported by the camera.

The idea on which the present invention is based now consists in taking this knowledge into account and providing a possibility in which only a holder for the front camera and the mirror device is provided.

Furthermore, the mirror device can be mounted on the camera housing in such a way that it is mounted on the side facing away from the windshield of the vehicle, that is to say towards the rear or to the driver.

Thus, the present invention provides a compact and space-saving arrangement for a front camera and a mirror device, which allows a high performance of the front camera by attaching the front camera on the windscreen.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

In one embodiment, the mirror device has a mirror surface, which is designed as an optical mirror. This allows a very simple construction of the mirror device according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the mirror device has a mirror surface, which is designed as an electronic display device. This allows a very flexible use of the device according to the invention in different applications.

In one embodiment, the device has a position detection device, which is designed to detect the head position of a driver of the vehicle. This makes it possible to adjust the image displayed on the electronic display device based on the position of the driver's head.

Furthermore, the device has a computing device, which is designed to calculate a relevant image detail in a camera image recorded by at least one vehicle camera based on the detected head position and to provide this relevant image detail of the electronic display device for display. As a result, regardless of its current position, the driver can always display the relevant image area for the driver.

In one embodiment, the computing device is designed to detect a head movement of the driver based on the detected head position of the driver and to increase the image detail to be displayed given a dynamic head movement of the driver. If the driver moves his head e.g. in the direction of the mirror device, it is assumed that the driver wishes to take a closer look at a detail on the image to be seen in the mirror device. Enlarging the relevant area will make this easier for the driver.

In one embodiment, the position detection device is further configured to detect the viewing direction of the driver of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, exactly that image area which the driver is looking at the moment of the head movement can be enlarged.

In one embodiment, the computing device is designed to darken the driver potentially glaring areas in the image detail to be displayed and / or to lighten dark areas in the image detail to be displayed. As a result, the display in the electronic display device for the driver is improved.

In one embodiment, the computing device is designed to calculate the image detail to be displayed on the basis of a current driving situation of the vehicle, wherein possible image sections to be displayed include a surround view view of the vehicle and / or a view of the rear seat of the vehicle and / or a view of a relevant surrounding area of the vehicle Vehicle and / or a view of relevant information of the vehicle. This makes it possible to show the driver different views in the electronic display device. For example, during a parking process, a surround view of the vehicle can be displayed. In such a surround-view display, different camera images, e.g. produces a representation in which the vehicle is viewed from above. As a result, the objects around the vehicle can be recognized, in particular during a parking process. The view of the rear seat of the vehicle may e.g. provided at the push of a button or the like, e.g. Watching children without having to turn their heads back. The view of a relevant environmental area may e.g. show an enlarged view of a rapidly approaching vehicle or vehicle at a blind spot to the vehicle. Furthermore, relevant information about the vehicle or the state of the vehicle can be displayed via a type of on-screen display.

In one embodiment, the display device has a hinge device, which articulates the mirror housing with the camera body. This allows the driver to bring the mirror housing in a comfortable position.

In one embodiment, the mirror housing is formed integrally with the camera body. This simplifies the construction of the device.

In one embodiment, the vehicle has a plurality of vehicle cameras, which are arranged such that a surround-view view of the vehicle can be generated from the individual camera images of the plurality of vehicle cameras. For a surround view view of a vehicle, cameras must be mounted on the vehicle so that it can be viewed from each side. Therefore, different views of the vehicle can be generated in this way.

In one embodiment, at least one vehicle camera detects a blind spot of the vehicle and provides it to the device. This allows a display of objects for the driver, who might otherwise miss this.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention which have not been explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and exemplary embodiments. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention; and

3 a schematic representation of another embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention.

In all figures, identical or functionally identical elements and devices are - unless otherwise stated - designated by the same reference numerals.

Embodiments of the invention

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device according to the invention 100 to assist a driver of a vehicle 2 ,

The device 100 has a display device 1 on that a front camera 4 has, the camera body 5 on a windshield 3 one (in 1 not shown) vehicle 2 is appropriate. For example, the camera body 5 a retaining clip or a fastener (bracket) have, which on the windscreen 3 is glued. Other types of attachment are also possible.

At the of the windscreen 3 pointing away page 8th of the camera body 5 is about a joint device 18 a mirror housing 7 a mirror device 6 with the camera body 5 coupled. About the joint device 18 can the position or orientation of the mirror device 6 be set.

The in 1 shown construction allows the camera very close to the windscreen 3 to place and at the same time the mirror device 6 to attach without having to provide for this own bracket.

2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention 2 ,

In the vehicle 2 is a device according to the invention 100 arranged. The display device 1 the device 100 is on the windscreen 3 arranged. Unlike the device 100 of the 1 has the device 100 of the 2 a computing device 14 and a position detecting device coupled thereto 11 on. The position detection device 11 captures a head position 12 a driver 13 of the vehicle 2 and puts this to the computing device 14 ready.

The display device 1 also has a mirror device 6 on, in contrast to the mirror device 6 of the 1 an electronic display device 10 having. Furthermore, the mirror housing 7 in 2 firmly with the camera body 5 coupled.

In 2 So is the mirror device 6 not movable on the camera body 5 appropriate.

In 2 not shown, are additional vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 of which the computing device 14 additional camera images 16 from which a panoramic view (surround view), in particular from a bird's eye view (top view) can be determined. This will be related in the following 3 explained in more detail.

To the driver 13 but now the image sections relevant for him 17 can show the computing device 14 based on the head position 12 the driver 13 the for this relevant image excerpts 17 set and from the camera pictures 16 choose. For this purpose, the computing device 14 eg from all camera pictures 16 compose a panoramic image from which the computing device 14 then the relevant image details 17 selects.

The computing device 14 can eg recognize that the driver 13 his head towards the mirror device 6 emotional. Detects the computing device 14 Such a movement, this suggests that the driver has a detail in the on the electronic display device 10 would like to take a closer look at the picture. Consequently, the computing device 14 the driver 13 in such a Situation support and the displayed image detail 17 enlarge.

For this purpose, the computing device 14 For example, have different image processing algorithms, which in a processor of the computing device 14 be executed.

Further image processing algorithms can be, for example, the coloring or the contrast or the brightness of the image section displayed 17 affect. For example, the computing device 14 the driver 13 potentially blinding areas in the image detail to be displayed 17 darken. Furthermore, the computing device 14 dark areas in the image to be displayed 17 lighten, giving the driver the details in the lightened image detail 17 can recognize better. Other image processing algorithms are also possible.

For example, in one embodiment, the computing device 14 be formed, objects, such as other vehicles, in the relevant image detail 17 to recognize and mark. Such marking may include, for example, the bordering by a colored frame, the lightening or coloring of the respective object.

The computing device 14 For example, it can also be designed to recognize dangers and the driver 13 warn by displaying a warning. For example, the computing device 14 a yellow triangle in the electronic display device 10 indicate when another vehicle is approaching from behind at very high speed or another vehicle is approaching the blind spot of the vehicle 2 located.

The computing device 14 may be a separate vehicle control device in one embodiment. The computing device 14 can do this via discrete data lines with the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 and the electronic display device 10 be coupled. The computing device 14 but also via a vehicle bus of the vehicle 2 with the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 or a vehicle system, which the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 managed, coupled to the camera images 16 to recieve.

Alternatively, the computing device 14 but also as a program in another control unit of the vehicle 2 be executed. In such a case, the control unit may be, for example, a control unit of a driver assistance system, which already has the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 coupled to evaluate this.

3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention 2 ,

The vehicle 2 of the 3 is shown in a top view. It can be seen that the vehicle 2 next to a (not separately drawn) device 100 four vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 has, in each case on one side of the vehicle 2 are arranged. Dashed in each case the image area is shown, which the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 to capture. It can be seen that the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 are very weitwinklig and an angular range of about 180 ° capture. This makes it possible with four vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 the entire 360 ° environment of the vehicle 2 capture. The laterally arranged vehicle cameras 15-1 . 15-3 For example, in a side mirror of the vehicle 2 be arranged. The at the front of the vehicle 2 arranged vehicle camera 15-4 can eg the front camera 4 be. In the rear of the vehicle 2 can the vehicle camera 15-3 For example, in a manufacturer's emblem, the bumper, a central brake light or the like can be arranged.

In other embodiments, the vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 be executed differently and the number of vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 may vary.

The vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 transmitting the computing device 14 the device 100 the camera pictures 16 , From these, the computing device 14 , as already described above, the relevant in each case driving situation image sections 17 to calculate.

The computing device 14 may also be configured to distortions caused by the wide-angle vehicle cameras 15-1 to 15-4 be caused from the camera images 16 herauszurechnen.

In one embodiment, the computing device 14 also have a communication interface through which the computing device 14 Receive image data, for example from webcams or other, for example, in the area of the vehicle used by the road road cameras. This communication can take place eg via the Internet. The computing device 14 For example, it is possible to identify image data relevant to the vehicle based on the position and viewing direction of the respective cameras or with reference to the image contents, and on the electronic display device 10 Show. This allows the driver eg images of the vehicle 2 or the traffic situation around the vehicle 2 from a different perspective. For example, a jam could be shown from a bird's eye view. Alternatively, delays caused by the congestion could also be calculated in real time and coupled with data from the navigation system. For example, a speed for driving through the congestion could be recommended. It could also be the traffic situation at an intersection on the way of the vehicle 2 already displayed before the vehicle 2 reached the intersection. In one embodiment, parking spaces could also be displayed, eg, locally on a large parking lot or globally in a city area from a bird's eye view. As an alternative source of image data, for example, online map services can also be used instead of the cameras.

In a further embodiment, the computing device 14 eg the image of a camera showing the backseat of the vehicle 2 filming. This allows the driver 13 For example, watch children or pets sitting in the back seat without having to turn their heads backwards. This will be the period for which the driver 13 takes the view from the street, significantly shortened.

Alternatively, the computing device 14 from other vehicle systems of the vehicle 2 Retrieve information to the driver in the electronic display device 10 can be displayed.

Such information may e.g. a vehicle speed, a navigation instruction, a maximum speed allowed on a route traveled by the vehicle, or the like.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways. In particular, the invention can be varied or modified in many ways without deviating from the gist of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

contraption

1

display device

2

vehicle

3

windscreen

4

front camera

5

camera housing

6

mirror means

7

mirror housings

8th

page

9

mirror surface

10

electronic display device

11

Position detection device

12

head position

13

driver

14

computing device

15-1 to 15-4

vehicle camera

16

camera image

17

image section

18

joint device

Claims (11)

Contraption ( 100 ) in support of a driver of a vehicle ( 2 ) with a windscreen ( 3 ), with a display device ( 1 ) comprising: a front camera ( 4 ), which is a camera body ( 5 ), which on the windscreen ( 3 ) of the vehicle ( 2 ) can be attached; and a mirror device ( 6 ), which is a mirror housing ( 7 ), which on one of the windscreen ( 3 ) facing away ( 8th ) of the camera body ( 5 ) is arranged and / or fixed. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror device ( 6 ) a mirror surface ( 9 ), which is formed as an optical mirror. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror device ( 6 ) a mirror surface ( 9 ), which serves as an electronic display device ( 10 ) is trained. Device according to claim 3, with a position detection device ( 11 ), which is formed, the head position ( 12 ) of a driver ( 13 ) of the vehicle ( 2 ) capture; and with a computing device ( 14 ), which with the position detection device ( 11 ) and which is in particular formed in one of at least one vehicle camera ( 15-1 to 15-4 ) recorded camera image ( 16 ) based on the detected head position ( 12 ) a relevant image section ( 17 ) and this relevant image section ( 17 ) of the electronic display device ( 10 ) for display. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the computing device ( 14 ) is formed, based on the detected head position ( 12 ) of the driver ( 13 ) a head movement of the driver ( 13 ) and during a dynamic head movement of the driver ( 13 ) the image section to be displayed ( 17 ) to enlarge. Device according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the computing device ( 14 ), the driver ( 13 ) potentially blinding areas in the image section to be displayed ( 17 ) and / or dark areas in the image section to be displayed ( 17 ) to lighten. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the computing device ( 14 ) is formed, the image to be displayed ( 17 ) based on a current driving situation of the vehicle ( 2 ) to calculate; and where possible to be displayed image sections ( 17 ) a surround view view of the vehicle ( 2 ) and / or a view of the rear seat of the vehicle ( 2 ) and / or a view of a relevant surrounding area of the vehicle ( 2 ) and / or a view of relevant information of the vehicle ( 2 ) exhibit. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the display device ( 1 ) a joint device ( 18 ), which the mirror housing ( 7 ) with the camera body ( 5 ) hinged. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the mirror housing ( 7 ) in one piece with the camera body ( 5 ) is trained. Vehicle ( 2 ) with a device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims; and with at least one vehicle camera ( 15-1 to 15-4 ), which is formed, at least a portion of an environment of the vehicle ( 2 ) and the device ( 1 ). Vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle ( 2 ) a plurality of vehicle cameras ( 15-1 to 15-4 ), which are arranged such that from the individual camera images ( 16 ) of the plurality of vehicle cameras ( 15-1 to 15-4 ) a surround view view of the vehicle ( 2 ) can be generated; and / or wherein at least one vehicle camera ( 15-1 to 15-4 ) a blind spot of the vehicle ( 2 ) and the device ( 1 ).

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